Schmitt : La tragédie de Salomé & Psaume 47

Florent Schmitt's "La tragédie de Salomé & Psaume 47" is a captivating journey into the world of classical music, showcasing the composer's early successes and his distinctive style. Released in 1990 under Warner Classics International, this album features a compelling performance led by the renowned conductor Marek Janowski. The recording, which took place in Studio 3, Radio France in October 1988, captures the essence of Schmitt's work with remarkable clarity and depth.

The album opens with "La tragédie de Salomé," a dramatic and evocative piece that includes the enchanting "Danse des perles" and the intense "Danse des éclairs" and "Danse de l'effroi." These compositions are followed by "Psalm 47," a powerful and uplifting work that highlights Schmitt's ability to blend sacred and secular themes. The album also includes a 12-page booklet with insightful notes by Marc Vignal and the lyrics in French, English, and German, providing valuable context and enhancing the listening experience.

With a duration of 52 minutes, this album offers a rich and immersive exploration of Florent Schmitt's music, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a long-time fan of Schmitt's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to impress with its technical brilliance and emotional resonance.

Florent Schmitt, born in the picturesque region of Lorraine, France, in 1870, was a composer of remarkable versatility and individuality. His musical journey began in Nancy, where he received his first lessons, and later flourished under the tutelage of Massenet and Fauré at the Paris Conservatoire. Schmitt's career spanned over seven decades, encompassing the tail end of Romanticism, the Impressionist movement, and the dawn of modernism. His compositions, numbering 138 with opus numbers, span a wide array of genres, each marked by his distinctive, opulent, and rhythmically rich style.

Schmitt was part of the influential group Les Apaches, which included notable figures like Ravel and Delius, and his work reflects a blend of Impressionist, post-Romantic, and even Oriental influences. His most celebrated works include the ballet "La tragédie de Salomé" and "Psaume XLVII," both showcasing his powerful and expressive musical language. Schmitt's music, though less known today, was highly regarded in his time, and his unique voice continues to captivate those who discover his works. His legacy is one of a free spirit in French music, a composer who fearlessly explored the rich tapestry of musical expression.